Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) on Friday announced a special election to fill a state House seat left vacant after the assassination of state Rep. Melissa Hortman (D).
The special election will be held Sept. 16, according to Walz’s office, with a special primary election for the nomination of candidates taking place Aug. 12 if deemed necessary.
Candidates are eligible to file with the state or with county auditors starting Tuesday. The last day to file is July 22.
The announcement comes after Hortman, her husband, Mark, and their golden retriever were fatally shot in a June attack that officials described as “politically motivated.”
Melissa Hortman was a former state House Speaker who served District 34B, which represents parts of Anoka and Hennepin counties.
She and other Democratic state lawmakers, including state Sen. John Hoffman (D) and his wife, Yvette, were shot and injured at their homes by a man impersonating a police officer. Investigators said the alleged gunman, Vance Boelter, had a list of other targets after an initial search of his vehicle.
Former President Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris both attended Melissa Hortman’s funeral last month in Minnesota.
“Our parents touched so many lives, and they leave behind an incredible legacy of dedication to their community that will live on in us, their friends, their colleagues and co-workers, and every single person who knew and loved them,” the Hortmans’ children, Sophie and Colin, wrote in a statement.
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